Beth's Going Away Weekend

On Monday my Beth-Friend moved from Hood River to Boise, which made me sadder than it probably should have. Of course we had to spend the weekend before sending her off in style and giving her a few more amazing Hood River memories.

Friday night our friends Tonya and Launa hosted a going-away-Luau complete with Teriyaki Bowls, a living room dance party, lots of photos, a Tiki Bar, and a best-dressed contest (which Tall Paul, below, won).

^^Marissa and I^^ 

^^Tall Paul and Marissa^^

 

^^Maybe the most awkward picture of Me, Marissa and Beth ever ^^ Most of the pictures from the night aren't with me so this is the best it's going to get right now, you're welcome^^

 

Saturday I went to my parents' house to surprise my dad for his birthday. While I was there I spent some time spooning with my Fluffy cat, dreaming of the commune and visiting the kittens.  

 

^^Fluffy and I spooning #preciousmoments^^ 

^^My dad making the biggest kitten wave at the camera^^

 

After my visit I put on my rain jacket and boots and headed to Hood River Hops Fest. I've gone the past three years and every year it's completely amazing. If you've never tried fresh hopped beer, you should do so immediately. It's delicious.

 

 

It rained most of the day while we were at Hops Fest, but they had tents set up and we mentally prepared ourselves for the weather so we still had a great time.

 

^^Sarah, Launa and myself^^

 

When Hops Fest was over we headed up the street to the Pub to dry off, regroup and (of course) have another beer. Beth and I spent the rest of the night dance partying. First we stopped at this amazing office dance party downtown Hood River, complete with a DJ, free beer, the fact that it was new and different and a bunch of friends. After the DJ ended his set we walked down to Jack's to end the night in style. We danced until the lights came on and then I took myself to Josh and Sarah's and crashed on their couch.

 

The next morning I had breakfast with Josh and Sarah after waiting forever in line because of course everywhere in town was packed, but it was totally worth it because it gave us ample time to discuss the previous day/night's events. After breakfast I went to Beth's to help her pack some of her stuff before saying goodbye and heading back to Seattle in a crazy rain/wind storm. I'm so sad that Beth won't be in Hood River anymore when I go back to visit and also sad that she's a whole 7 hours away from me now, but I do love Boise, and this gives me an excuse to fly down and visit all the time! 

canadian tuxedo + law school prom dress = awesome wedding

Last Saturday Dustin and I left at 7am to drive to Hood River for my friend Jessica’s wedding. It was totally worth it.

When we got into Hood River we first stopped at the Hospital to see my mom (she works there). Then we immediately went to New York City sub shop to get some lunch (I was basically starving). Then we had planned to go to my house and see my Fluffy cat and my dad, but my dad had gone to The Dalles for lunch, so we decided to pit stop at Double Mountain for a beer.

Things I like: 1. Dustin, 2. Double Mountain Beer

After our beer we headed to my parents’ house so I could see my favorite kitty and get ready for the wedding (side story: Dustin was already ready for the wedding. He text me as I was on my way to pick him up early that morning asking me if he could wear a Canadian Tuxedo to the wedding… I couldn’t say no, so that’s what he wore. It was cute.).

After I was finished putting on my law school prom dress and fixing my hair (low side bun with a braid running through? semi-win even though it didn’t hold up very well) we headed to Stevenson for the wedding.

Beth, Me and Heather at the wedding

Another one of Dustin and I at the wedding:

Me, Jessica (the bride) and Beth

Dustin and Tyler (the groom)

Jake and Heather enjoying some cake:

After an awesome dinner, some beer brewed by the groom, friend time, toasts with champagne, and wedding cake made by the made of honor, Beth, Dustin and I headed back to Hood River.

The three of us pit stopped by the Hood River Hotel and then promptly went across the street to Celilo where I played catch-up with a grey goose martini complete with like 10 of the best olives I’ve ever tasted (DD status, but not anymore). After our fancy drink in our fancy clothes (my law school prom dress, Beth’s awesome silk find and Dustin’s Canadian Tuxedo, yep!), we headed to Double Mountain where we saw some friends and had some love and beer and things. After our drink there we walked up to the pub to grab some other friends and make our way down to Jack’s where we danced the night away. Obviously.

It was such a good time.

The next morning Dustin and I had breakfast with his parents and then headed back to Seattle. It was a good 24 hours at home.

I want to go back.

Oh and P.S. congratulations Jessica and Tyler!!

Opening Weekend 2011

This weekend I went home to my parents’ house for opening weekend of deer hunting season. My parents have some property outside of White Salmon, Washington, which makes hunting really convenient (i.e. wake up, put on hunting gear, walk out door, start hunt). My cousins Chip and Katie came up to my parents’ house too so Chip could hunt with us, and Saturday morning we headed out at day break.

First thing Saturday morning my dad and I found deer in a small field across the road from our house. Right across the road, guys. Two bucks, one doe. The bucks weren’t legal though, so we had to pass them up. But when my dad went to shoo them into the woods (so they wouldn’t get shot by someone else – also that probably wouldn’t happen because my 6’6” logger father would flip out if someone shot a deer on our property), a bigger (possibly legal) buck jumped up. I couldn’t shoot because my dad was next to them and my dad couldn’t shoot because he had left his gun with me. Opening morning fail.

We then walked around for a few more hours, saw some more does, and headed back to the house where Katie was waiting up for us.

We just relaxed at the house for most of the day before heading out that evening for another hunt. I went out solo this time. I saw a few does, but that was all. I ended up back at the house right before dark.

Everyone (me, my dad, my brother and my cousin) got back to the house at about the same time and we stood on the patio chatting, until the same deer from that morning came down into our yard. I walked into the yard to get a better look (and to see if they were legal) and the deer proceeded to walk right past me! Like 15 feet from me. Cocky little brats. Good thing (for them) they were too small to shoot. Ha. I’ll be waiting for you next year. 

After that Chip and Katie went home, my mom brought my brother, dad and I home some Chinese food, I stuffed my face and was asleep by 9pm.

This morning I was up before day break again and on the move. I was sooo sore though. Apparently I’m a little out of shape because my whole body hurts today. My shoulders hurt from carrying my gun and my legs hurt from hiking in stiff boots, through brush and up hills and for hours at a time. And they also hurt because like I said, I’m out of shape. Note to self: go to the gym this week. No excuses.

At one point I felt really weak from not eating breakfast so my dad put me in the middle of the field while he went up to walk through the brush. I was supposed to watch the field for deerz. So naturally I took a picture while I was waiting (and not seeing a single deer):

When I was heading home my friend Jon from High School was driving by. He stopped and chatted with me and said he hadn’t had any hunting luck either. It was nice to see him. After my chat with Jon I walked around a little more before heading back to the house to make some eggs and homemade biscuits for the boys.

I then showered, napped and hung with fluffy before heading back to Seattle:

It was a good weekend. It would have been better if I got a deer, but there is always next weekend. Also I’m not ready for Monday (but it’s not like I’m ever really ready ha).